Pickle Recipes

Mango Pickle (South Indian Style)

Tender Mango Pickle

Mango Pickle

Mince Mango Pickle

Sweet Mango Pickle

Lime Pickle

Lime Pickle Red

Sweet Lime Pickle

Carrot Pickle

Beetroot Pickle

Mixed Vegetables Pickle

Green Chilly

Dry Chilly Pickle

Onion Pickle

Cucumber Pickle

Grapes Pickle

Amla (Nellikai)

Meat Pickle

Fish Pickle

Brinjal Pickle

Dry Mango Sweet Pickle

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Recipes

Pickles : Chutneys : Jams : Vattals : Curry Powders : Squashes : Wines : Sauces :

Vegetarian Dishes : Non Vegetarian : Egg Curries : Sea Food :

Rice Specialities : Soups : Salads : Breakfast Dishes : Noodles Recipes : Sandwiches : Snacks : Tiffins : Puddings :

Drinks Recipes : Ice Creams : Fruit Recipes : Miscellaneous Recipes

Sweets

Cakes : Halwas : Laddu : Baadhusha : Burfi : Payasam Varieties : Other Sweets
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Folk Dances Of India - South

Dollu Kunitha : The Dollu Kunitha is a popular drum dance of Karnataka.The drum dance is performed by the male members of the shepherd community,known as Kourba. Carrying large drums, decorated with coloured clothes and slung from their necks, the men beat the drums as they dance with nimble movements of the feet and legs. The dance is, at times, accompanied by songs, which are either religious or in praise of war.

Dandaria : This dance is performed by some tribes of Andhra Pradesh during festivals. The dancers, dressed in their best, exchange visits with other villages and are received as honoured guests wherever they go. The old and young men of the tribes dance together, holding sticks, which they strike against one another to keep time.

Karagam : It is the most common form of folk dance in Tamil Nadu, dedicated to Mariamman, the Goddess of health and rain. The Karagam dance is essentially performed by men balancing pots filled with uncooked rice, surrounded by a tall conical bamboo frame covered with flowers. The musical accompaniment comprises a drum and a long pipe.

Kummi : The womenfolk of Tamil Nadu have three closely related dances, which are seen at their best during festivities. The simplest of these is the Kummi, in which the dancers gather in a circle and clap their hands as they dance. An extension to this dance is the Kolattam, where instead of clapping, the participants hold small wooden sticks in their hands and strike them in rhythm as they dance.

Kuttiyattam : Kuttiyattam, a dance from Kerala literally means 'acting together' and the theme for this dance form is taken from mythology. Evolved in the 9th century A.D., Kuttiyattam has two or more characters on stage. The Chakkiars play the male cast and the Nangiars play the female roles while also reciting Sanskrit verses. The performance can last between 6 to 20 days.

Padavani : Padayani is one of the most colourful and spectacular folk arts associated with the festivals of some temples in southern Kerala (Aleppy, Quilon, Pathanamthitta and Kottayam districts). The word Padayani literally means military formations, but in this folk art it is mainly a series of divine and semi-divine impersonations wearing huge masks of different shapes, colours and designs. The most important of the kolams usually presented in a Padayani performance are Bhairavi (Kali), Kalan (God of death), Yakshi (fairy) and Pakshi (bird).

Kolam : The Kolam consists of a huge headgear with many projections with a mask for the face and a chest piece to cover the breast and abdomen of the performer. The dancers wearing kolams perform, as singers recite poems accompanied by the wild and loud rhythm of the instrumentalists.

Lava : This is the colourful dance of the Minicoy Island of Lakshadweep. The dancers wear multi-hued costumes, a headgear and carry special drums. The dance movements are prolific and profuse, and are in rhythm with the drum beats and vocal accompaniment.

Nicobarese : This is the dance of the Nicobarese tribal group residing in the island of Nicobar. The dance is performed during the Ossuary Feast or the Pig Festival. Dedicated to the departed head of the family, the occasion is observed with night long dancing in moonlight under swaying palms. Feasting on island delicacies followed by a pig fight in the morning are the other attractions of the celeration.

classical dances

BHARATA NATYAM    KATHAKALI   KATHAK    MANIPURI    KUCHIPUDI    ODISSI    MOHINI ATTAM   
Folk dances


BHANGRA    DHUMAL    ROUF    LAMA DANCE    PANGI DANCES    LOSAR SHONA CHUKSAM    RAAS   GIDDA    DHAMYAL    DUPH    LAHOOR    DHURANG     MALI DANCE     TERA TALI

BIHU    NAGA DANCE    HAZAGIRI    BAMBOO DANCE    NONGKREM    THANG-TA    KARMA    PONUNG    BRITA OR VRITA    HURKA BAUL    KALI NACH    GANTA PATUA    PAIK   DALKHAI

GENDI     BHAGORIYA    JAWAR     GARBA     DANDIYA     KALA    DINDI    MANDO

DOLLU KUNITHA DANDARIA    KARAGAM    KUMMI    KUTTIYATTAM    
PADAVANI   KOLAM    LAVA    NICOBARESE


Musical Instruments

Folk Dances Of India - West

Gendi : This dance from Madhya Pradesh is usually performed during the rainy season from June to August. The dancer, who has learnt to balance himself on the Gendi, can perform the dance even in water or on marshy surfaces. Children generally perform the dance as intense balance is required. The performers are colourfully attired with belts studded with cowrie shells around their necks. The Gendis are dyed in bright colours.

Bhagoriya: This dance is performed by the Bhils, a large tribe in Madhya Pradesh. It is performed by men and women wearing colourful costumes during Holi. This is a lyrical dance and is an occasion when many young men and women get to find their partners.

Jawar : Jawar is performed in the Bundelkhand area of Madhya Pradesh. It is a harvest dance reflecting the gaiety and joy of the farmers who have reaped a good harvest. The women carry baskets full of jawara (millet) on their heads and are able to balance these baskets while dancing. The accompaniments include a rich variety of percussion, stringed and wind instruments.

Garba : Garba, the leading dance of women in Gujarat, is performed in honour of the Goddess Amba. This fertility dance involves perforated earthen pots in which an oil lamp is placed symbolizing embryonic life. The pots are balanced on women's heads as they move around a circle, snapping their fingers and clapping their hands to produce a fast beat. When men dance, by singing and clapping, the dance is known as Garbi. Traditionally, the Garba was performed only at night and as a votive offering. In an evolved version, the dance can be performed for its own sake and at any time.

Dandiya Raas : Dandiya Raas is a very popular folk dance of Gujarat which is nowadays danced in every nook and corner of other parts of India too.Dandiya Raas is the most ancient dance of Gujarat and is popular among the urban and the rural folk alike.This folk dance, known as Raas, originated approximately 5,000 years ago. The performance is an all-time favourite dance of Gujaratis. It is usually performed during the festival of Navaratri.
Dandiya Raas is a simple, rhythmic dance performed by young people moving around in imaginary circles with measured steps to the beat of two dandiya (sticks) that each dancer carries in his or her hands. The beat for the dance is kept by striking the two sticks with each other in one's hands and sometimes with the sticks of the other dancer. The beat can even be maintained by clapping the hands. Ideally a circle of men move in either a clockwise direction while the circle of women move in an anti-clockwise direction or vice versa. The songs sung as an accompaniment are essentially amorous.

Dandiya Raas is a very energetic, colourful and playful dance providing a good opportunity to the young men and women for acting and exchanging messages through eye contact.

Kala : This dance is performed in Maharashtra on the birthday of Lord Krishna and is connected with the breaking of a dahi handi (pot of curd). The dance recreates one of the Lilas (stories) of the early life of Lord Krishna. A pot is tied to a rope and hung between two storeys of houses. The dancers then form a pyramidal structure and with arms stretched and holding each other's shoulders, tier upon tier is formed, until the boy who plays the part of Krishna can reach the handi. He then breaks the pot and lets the buttermilk and the kala (rice mixed with curd and condiments flow out).

Dindi : In the state of Maharashtra, religious devotional dances are called Dindi. The musicians for this dance comprise a 'Mridangam' player and a vocalist who give the dancers the necessary musical background. This dance is usually performed on the Ekadashi day in the month of Kartik.

Mando : Mando is a semi urban folk form, evolved by the Goan aristocracy. It begins on a slow and sad note but ends with a faster beat called Dulpod. Latter day compositions cover a variety of themes and moods distinct from the traditional compositions. Some of the other folk dances of Goa are, Ghode Modni (dances with effigies of horses), Dekhni, Dhangar, Tonyamel, Suvari and Jagar.

classical dances

BHARATA NATYAM    KATHAKALI   KATHAK    MANIPURI    KUCHIPUDI    ODISSI    MOHINI ATTAM   
Folk dances


BHANGRA    DHUMAL    ROUF    LAMA DANCE    PANGI DANCES    LOSAR SHONA CHUKSAM    RAAS   GIDDA    DHAMYAL    DUPH    LAHOOR    DHURANG     MALI DANCE     TERA TALI

BIHU    NAGA DANCE    HAZAGIRI    BAMBOO DANCE    NONGKREM    THANG-TA    KARMA    PONUNG    BRITA OR VRITA    HURKA BAUL    KALI NACH    GANTA PATUA    PAIK   DALKHAI

GENDI     BHAGORIYA    JAWAR     GARBA     DANDIYA     KALA    DINDI    MANDO

DOLLU KUNITHA DANDARIA    KARAGAM    KUMMI    KUTTIYATTAM    
PADAVANI   KOLAM    LAVA    NICOBARESE


Musical Instruments

DANCES OF INDIA - MOHINIATTAM

Mohiniattam, is essentially a feminine dance of Kerala recorded to have begun between the 3rd and 8th century AD. Legend says the Lord Vishnu took the form of Mohini to entice the asuras (demons). During the churning of the ocean, the asuras rushed towards the bowl of nectar. Vishnu appeared in the feminine form of Mohini to entice the asuras and took the bowl away.
Literally meaning the dance of the enchantress, Mohiniyattam was mainly performed in the temple precincts of Kerala. This dance form found acceptance in the 16th century and in 19th century Maharaja Swati Tirunal of Travancore encouraged it. The most popular padams in Mohiniattam, composed by Swati Tirunal, describe the heroine's yearning for her lover. Lord Vishnu or Sri Krishna is more often the hero.

Mohiniattam was conceived as a form of social diversion. It is essentially a solo dance performed by women with tender and graceful body movements in the lasy style. Hand gestures play an important role as a communication system. The dominant emotion in this dance form is shringara or love for the Divine.

The dancer wears a white sari resplendent in a gold border. On festive occasions, young girls perform this dance ina circle with simple movements, while singing songs.

The repertoirs of Mohiniattam follows closely that of Bharatanatyam. Mohiniattam, like other forms, follows the Hasthalakshana Deepika as textbook of hand gestures. The basic steps in this dance form are adavus-toganam, jaganam,dhaganam and sammisram. The adavus or steps are set to musical compositions. The varnam has a simple format with greater emphasis on abhinaya and less on nritta or pure dance.

The performance begins with Ganapati stuti or invocation followed by mukhachalam, a pure dance item in which the graceful delineation of charcteristic movements is seen. The repertoire of Mohiniattam consists of five principal items, starting with cholkettu, then vrnam, jatiswaram, padam and concluding with tillana. Varnam combines pure and expressional dance, while padam tests the histrionic talent of a dancer and tillana reveals her technical artistry. Jayadevas Gita-Govinda is most popularly performed to depict the divine love of Radha and Sri Krishna.

The most well-known performers of this dance are Ms Kanak Rele and Ms Bharati Shivaji.

classical dances

BHARATA NATYAM    KATHAKALI   KATHAK    MANIPURI    KUCHIPUDI    ODISSI    MOHINI ATTAM   
Folk dances


BHANGRA    DHUMAL    ROUF    LAMA DANCE    PANGI DANCES    LOSAR SHONA CHUKSAM    RAAS   GIDDA    DHAMYAL    DUPH    LAHOOR    DHURANG     MALI DANCE     TERA TALI

BIHU    NAGA DANCE    HAZAGIRI    BAMBOO DANCE    NONGKREM    THANG-TA    KARMA    PONUNG    BRITA OR VRITA    HURKA BAUL    KALI NACH    GANTA PATUA    PAIK   DALKHAI

GENDI     BHAGORIYA    JAWAR     GARBA     DANDIYA     KALA    DINDI    MANDO

DOLLU KUNITHA DANDARIA    KARAGAM    KUMMI    KUTTIYATTAM    
PADAVANI   KOLAM    LAVA    NICOBARESE


Musical Instruments

DANCES OF INDIA - ODISSI

Odissi, is a popular dance form of Orissa the lies on the eastern coast of India. This area is studded with caves and temples. The walls of Rani-Gumpha cave at Udayagiri are adorned with sculpture of a dancer accompanied by musicians performing in front of a king. It is assumed that the roots of this performing art had their genesis in 2nd century AD According to the local inhabitants, Lord Shiva and his son Ganesh taught dance to a beautiful apsara (dancer from heaven) called Manirambha. Shiva was found portrayed as Nataraja in the postures of tandava dance in parasurameswar temple. They also believe that sometime between 2nd century BC and 2nd century AD Sage Bharata taught the dance to Sage Attahas, who taught it to the maharis-the temple dances of Orissa or Odhradesh as it was called then. Poet Jayadeva wrote a beautiful Sanskrit poem called Gita-Govinda, that is about the love of Radha for Sri Krishna and her desire to be united with him. Radha became central during the Chaitanya era from 16th century onwards. The neo-Vaisnavism of this period created the right environment for development of the dance tradition.
The maharis lived as servants of the deity, Lord Jagannath and on support from the temple funds. Maharis were the only ones to be permitted into the inner shrine of the temple. Then there were the nachunis who danced in the royal court. Finally there were gotipusa or young boys who were trained in gymnastics and performed before the public. With the advent of British, the maharis faded out of the picture and the nachunis too disappeared. only gotipuas survived and from them the Odissi dance style developed. Some artistes even revived the dying art of Odissi by looking at sculptures carved on walls of temples and by studying the treatise, Abhinaya Chandrika.

Odissi has emerged as a sculpturesque dance style in which the head, bust and torso move in soft flowing movements to express specific moods and emotions. The basic chawka position is a half-sitting posture used constantly by the dancer. The form is curvaceous, based on the tribhang or division of body into three parts-head, bust and torso. The mudras and expressions and similar to those of Bharatanatyam. The dance is replete with love for Sri Krishna, the eighth incarnation of Load Vishnu.

Odissi is divided into nritta (pure dance) and abhinaya (ecpressional dance). In a classical Odissi performance, the invocatory dance is called mangalacharan. The dancer enters carrying flowers to place before the image of Lord Jagannath on the stage or the dancer can begin her performance with bhoomi pranam. Sanskrit slokas are recited in praise of Ganesh, Saraswati and Vishnu. Mangalacharan is performed with the hands joined in anjali in front of the heart in greeting. This includes movement in eight directions to cover the stage and concludes with trikhandi pranam, hands held aloft to the gods,the guru and the rasikas (the audience). The recital continues with vatu nrittya, which paints the entire gamut of Odissi nritta. The instruments used in Odissi are the mardala (drum), the manjira (cymbals), the flute and the violin. The dancer wears the typical Oriya sari and silver jewellery.

The legendary figure in Odissi dance is Guru Kelucharan Mohapatra, Who with his disciple, the late Sanjukta Panigrahi contributed to the establishment of this style.

classical dances

BHARATA NATYAM    KATHAKALI   KATHAK    MANIPURI    KUCHIPUDI    ODISSI    MOHINI ATTAM   
Folk dances


BHANGRA    DHUMAL    ROUF    LAMA DANCE    PANGI DANCES    LOSAR SHONA CHUKSAM    RAAS   GIDDA    DHAMYAL    DUPH    LAHOOR    DHURANG     MALI DANCE     TERA TALI

BIHU    NAGA DANCE    HAZAGIRI    BAMBOO DANCE    NONGKREM    THANG-TA    KARMA    PONUNG    BRITA OR VRITA    HURKA BAUL    KALI NACH    GANTA PATUA    PAIK   DALKHAI

GENDI     BHAGORIYA    JAWAR     GARBA     DANDIYA     KALA    DINDI    MANDO

DOLLU KUNITHA DANDARIA    KARAGAM    KUMMI    KUTTIYATTAM    
PADAVANI   KOLAM    LAVA    NICOBARESE


Musical Instruments

DANCES OF INDIA - KUCHIPUDI

Kuchipudi, the dance-drama (referred to as Ata Bhagavatham) from Andhra Pradesh, is based on themes drawn from the Hindu epics, The Ramayana and the Mahabharata. It is a Folk-dance style quite close to Bharatanatyam while retaining its folk origin. Kuchipudi has been the result of the Bhakti movement in the 6th century. In the 17th century, Siddendra Yogi, the progenitor of the form, presented a dance-drama with boys from the village of kuchipudi. the techniques used then were passed on to the subsequent generations.
Kuchipudi plays are performed in the open air on an improvised stage at night. The sutradhar, or master of ceremonies, Plays an integral rol in introducing the characters, providing humour and tying together the show. The fast-paced nature of the form has made it a popular dramatic form. today it is better known as solo dance.

Kuchipudi costumes look similar to those worn in Bharathanatyam dance. Elegant footwork is an important aspect of Kuchipudi. Another distinctive aspect of this dance is that in special performances, the dance is executed on brass plate and moving the plate with the feet to the tune of the accompanying music. Yet another is the formation of beautiful floor patterns using efficient feet movements. The performer has to express through dance and gestures, the speech and song. The artiste, apart from being a dancer and actor, has to have a high proficiency in Sanskrit and Telugu languages, Music and the texts for the performance.

The Kuchipudi performance begins with recital of extracts from the four Vedas as these symbolise the composition of the Natyaveda.This followed by Ganapati stuti before the entry of the sutradhar who narrates the dance-drama with its implications and introduces the artistes. Each dancer is introduced with pravesa daruva orentrance number accompanied by song and rhythmic syllables. The word daruvu means rhythmic pattern. There is nritta, nritya, and natya. The nritta part is composed of teeermanams and jatis; the naitya consists of sabdams indroduced to enrich the dance and natya is acting with mudras to enact the stories of yore.

Kuchipudi classical dance comprises of a blend of tandava and lasya elements. The music is this dance from is classical and the costumes are conventional. Bhagavatula Ramayya, written by Hari Madhavayya, introduced the dance-drama in the Kuchipudi repertoire; and today vachikabhinaya (verbal expression) has become a special feature of Kuchipudi dance-drama.

Vedantam Laxmi Narayana Sastry Introduced solo items and laid the foundation of the Kuchipudi repertoire. Today Raja and Radha Reddy have taken this dance from to new heights.

classical dances

BHARATA NATYAM    KATHAKALI   KATHAK    MANIPURI    KUCHIPUDI    ODISSI    MOHINI ATTAM   
Folk dances


BHANGRA    DHUMAL    ROUF    LAMA DANCE    PANGI DANCES    LOSAR SHONA CHUKSAM    RAAS   GIDDA    DHAMYAL    DUPH    LAHOOR    DHURANG     MALI DANCE     TERA TALI

BIHU    NAGA DANCE    HAZAGIRI    BAMBOO DANCE    NONGKREM    THANG-TA    KARMA    PONUNG    BRITA OR VRITA    HURKA BAUL    KALI NACH    GANTA PATUA    PAIK   DALKHAI

GENDI     BHAGORIYA    JAWAR     GARBA     DANDIYA     KALA    DINDI    MANDO

DOLLU KUNITHA DANDARIA    KARAGAM    KUMMI    KUTTIYATTAM    
PADAVANI   KOLAM    LAVA    NICOBARESE


Musical Instruments

DANCES OF INDIA - KATHAKALI

Kathakali is a dance drama from Kerala depicting the victory of truth over falshood. Katha means story and kali is a play. The roots of the dance form can be traced to about 1,500 years earlier. The dance-drama symbolises the blending of Aryan and Dravidian cultures and is presumed to have evolved from the tradition of the region like krishnattam, Ramanattam, Kudiyattam, Mudayyetu and Theyyam.
The classical elements of Kathakali come from the Sanskrit theatre called Kudiyattam. There are four types of enactments-angikan or limb movements, varhikam or words, aaharyam or make-up and costumes, sakvikam or emotional aspects. In Krishnattam and Ramanattam, Jayadeva's Poem Geeta-Govinda is adopted for devotional singing. It was especially popular at the Guruvayoor temple dedicated to Sri Krishna. Theyyam is a ritualistic art form practiced in the village temple of Malabar area. The more vigouous dance patterns and exaggerated expressions found in Kathakali are adaptations from Theyyam.

Being a very exacting art, it demands strenuous training of the body and facial movements. Kathakali combines dance with dialogue to bring myth and legend to life in the temple cortyards of Kerala.

The origin of the dance can be traced to the middle of the 17th century. Like the other dance-dramas, the themes of Kathakali are drawn from the Ramayana, the Mahabharata and Bhagwata Purana. Like Bharatanatyam, this dance form too is based on the Natya Shastra. Highly stylised and evolved, the traditional dance requires elaborate masks and costumes. The dancers ware huge skirts and head-dress and their make-up is very intricate,imparting the dance a weird and at the same time fantastic aspect. The accompaniments include the chenda, a drum like instrument that produces thunderous beats and the maddala that produces a softer sound and two large cymbals.

Today's Kathakali is based on two styles-Kalladikodam and Kapplingadam. The first lays importance on rigorous training and stylised body movements. Emotions are expressed not through the face alone. Here the natya dharmi method is adopted. The hand gestures are wider and in conjunction with body movements.

Kathakali used elaborate hand gestures and very formalised facial expressions. The latter has to be learnt and practiced at the feet of the ashaan. The male singers sing the sahitya or verses alternately. The dancer interprets the lyrics literelly before creating drama of fantasy around the words. He travels to other worlds-forests,mountains to bhulokam-the world of evil and to swarga-the world of gods.Mostly he goes to the inner world is himself where he exercises his imagination.

The late Chengannur Raman Pillai codified the dance and taught it in school to his disciples. P.V.Balakrishnan is an exponent of the ancient form of Kathakali.

classical dances

BHARATA NATYAM    KATHAKALI   KATHAK    MANIPURI    KUCHIPUDI    ODISSI    MOHINI ATTAM   
Folk dances


BHANGRA    DHUMAL    ROUF    LAMA DANCE    PANGI DANCES    LOSAR SHONA CHUKSAM    RAAS   GIDDA    DHAMYAL    DUPH    LAHOOR    DHURANG     MALI DANCE     TERA TALI

BIHU    NAGA DANCE    HAZAGIRI    BAMBOO DANCE    NONGKREM    THANG-TA    KARMA    PONUNG    BRITA OR VRITA    HURKA BAUL    KALI NACH    GANTA PATUA    PAIK   DALKHAI

GENDI     BHAGORIYA    JAWAR     GARBA     DANDIYA     KALA    DINDI    MANDO

DOLLU KUNITHA DANDARIA    KARAGAM    KUMMI    KUTTIYATTAM    
PADAVANI   KOLAM    LAVA    NICOBARESE


Musical Instruments

DANCES OF INDIA

The dance heritage of India is nearly 5000 years old. Classical dance is the dance of the mind, the soul and the divine. It is a physical expression of art, dedication and devotion. It has its origin in the temples where it was used to illustrate the hindu mythologies.
Classical dances are based on the Natya Shastra, Written by Sage Bharata in the second century A.D. It is believed that the creator (Brahma) created them to give joy in life to the gods who found their cosmic functions heavly and dreary. Classical dances have heen modified and redefined from time to time.The major Indian classical dances are:

BHARATA NATYAM
KATHAKALI
KATHAK
MANIPURI
KUCHIPUDI
ODISSI
MOHINI ATTAM
Folk dances were developed by the villages or tribes based on their own regional music. India can boast of innumerable folk dances... each forming a speciality of a particular region or tribe. These dances are more popular than classical forms of dance in India as they are easier to understand and perform. Each form has its own speciality & grace, along with a set pattern of costumes and make-up. The major Indian Folk dances are:



BHANGRA
DHUMAL
ROUF
LAMA DANCE
PANGI DANCES
LOSAR SHONA CHUKSAM
RAAS
GIDDA
DHAMYAL
DUPH
LAHOOR
DHURANG
MALI DANCE
TERA TALI

BIHU
NAGA DANCE
HAZAGIRI
BAMBOO DANCE
NONGKREM
THANG-TA
KARMA
PONUNG
BRITA OR VRITA
HURKA BAUL
KALI NACH
GANTA PATUA
PAIK
DALKHAI

GENDI
BHAGORIYA
JAWAR
GARBA
DANDIYA
KALA
DINDI
MANDO

DOLLU KUNITHA
DANDARIA
KARAGAM
KUMMI
KUTTIYATTAM
PADAVANI
KOLAM
LAVA
NICOBARESE


Musical Instruments, without which classical dances are incomplete are

Fairs and Festivals in India

January

Republic Day - 26 January
Makar Sankranti - Maharashtra, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Rajasthan
Lohri - Punjab
Pongal - Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh
Float Festival - Tamil Nadu
National Kite - Festival Gujarat
Camel Festival - Bikaner
Pattadakal Dance - Festival Karnataka
Id-ul-Fitter - Across the country

February

Mahashivaratri - Across the country
Vasant Panchami - North India, West Bengal
Desert Festival - Jaisalmer
Goa Carnival - Goa
Nagaur Fair - Nagaur
International Yoga Week - Rishikesh
Elephant Festival - Jaipur
Deccan Festival - Hyderabad
Taj Mahotsav - Agra
Surajkund Crafts Mela - New Delhi
Chapchar Kut - Mizoram
Island Tourism Festival - Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Port Blair

March

Holi - North India
Gangaur Festival - Rajasthan
Ramanavami - Across the country
Id-ul-Zuha - Across the country
Mahavir Jayanti - Across the country
Khajuraho Dance Festival - Madhya Pradesh
Elephant Festival - (Jaipur, Rajasthan)
Hoysala Mahotsava - Karnataka
Ellora Festival - Maharashtra

April

Baisakhi - Punjab
Mahavir Jayanti - Across the country
Gudi Padva or Ugadi - Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka
Pooram - Kerala
Muharram - Across the country
Buddha Purnima - North India
Mewar Festival - Rajasthan
Good Friday and Easter - Across the country
Meenakshi Temple Feast - Madurai

June

Mango Festival - Uttar Pradesh
International Flower - Festival Sikkim
Hemis Festival - Ladakh

July

Rathyatra - Orissa
Guru Purnima - Across the country

August

Independence Day - 15 August
Janamashtami - Across the country
Onam - Kerala
Nag Panchami - West Bengal, Maharashtra, South India
Rakshabandhan - North India
Ganesh Chaturthi - Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka
Teej - Rajasthan

September

Tarnetar Mela - Gujarat

October

Birthday of Mahatma Gandhi - 02 October
Durga-Puja - Bengal
Navratri - Across the country
Dussehra - Across the country
Marwar Festival - Jodhpur

November

Birthday of Guru Nanak - Punjab
Sharad Purnima - Across the country
Diwali - Across the country
Ka Pomblang Nongrem - Meghalaya
Sonepur Fair - Bihar
Pushkar Fair - Pushkar
Hampi Festival - Hampi

December

Christmas - 25 December
Konark Dance Festival - Orissa

Festivals of India

India Fairs Festivals - January

Republic Day

Held on 26th January every year, this is a National holiday that commemorates the establishment of the Indian Republic in 1950, all the state capitals resound with the beating of drums and parading of the army. Delhi, the national capital of India has the grandest parades, displaying India's strength in terms of the armed forces and weapons. These are followed by floats and dancers from all parts of the country.

Makar Sankranti (Maharashtra, Karnataka & Andhra Pradesh)

Is a celebration of spring on the occasion of the 'ascent' of the sun to the north (Uttarayana). In Maharashtra, Karnataka as well as part of Andhra, Maker Sankranti is a day of goodwill and friendship. Seasome ladoos and suger drops are distributed as a symbol of the need to be generous and kind to everyone. Women wear new clothes, new glass bangles and hold get-togethers to share sweets and gifts. A new bride is given ornaments made of sugar drops and her new relatives are inivited to meet and welcome her at a Haldi Kumkum celebration.

Lohri (Punjab)

In the North Makar Sankranti is called Lohri. It is the only Hindu festival which falls regularly on the 14th of January every year. Lohri is the time after which the biting cold of winter begins to taper off. On this day the children go from door to door to collect founds for community bonfires which are lit in the evening. Lohri is more of a community festival, where the birth of a son or the first year of marriage is celebrated with great fun and frolic. People gather around the bonfires and offer sweets, crisp rice and popcron to the flames. Songs are sung to the beat of vigorous claps and greetings are exchanged.

Pongal (Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh)

In the South Sankranti becomes Pongal. It is a celebration of the harvest which is observed for three days in Tamil Nadu as well as in Andhra Pradesh. The first day is the Bhogi Pongal which is celebrated as a family festival. Surya Pongal, the second day, is dedicated to the Sun (surya) when pongal (rice cooked in milk and jaggery) is boiled by women and offered to the sun. Friends greet one another by asking "Is it boiled?" and the answer given is "It is". It is followed by great rejoicing. Mattu Pongal, the third day, is a day dedicated to the worship and veneration of cattle(mattu). The pongal that has been offered to the local deities is given to the cattle to eat. The cattle are bathed and decorated. Coloured balls of the pongal are also made and left in the open for birds. In Madurai, Tiruchirapalli and Tanjore, a kind of bullfight, called the "Jellikattu" is held. Bundles containing money are tied to the horns of ferocious bulls, and unarmed villagers try to wrest the bundles from them. With ingredients provided by the freshly gathered harvest, community meals are held at night.

Float Festival

This magnificent festival is celebrated in Madurai on the night of the full moon. The ornamented icons of the two deities, the God Sundaresa (incarnation of Shiva) and the Goddess Meenakshi (incarnation of Parvati), with pearl crowns on their heads and riding on a golden bull are taken out in a splendid procession from the Meenakshi temple. The God Alagar (incarnation of Vishnu) gives his sister Meenakshi, in marriage to Sundaresa amidst great rejoicing. Devotes clothed in yellow and red dance among the processionists and spray coloured water on them. The icons are floated in the tank on a raft decked with flowers and flickering lamps.

Kite Festival

In Gujarat and other western states the change in the direction of winds on Makar Sankranti is marked by thousands of colourful kites of all patterns and dimensions which dot the blue sky. Young men vie with each other to win community kite-flying competitions. The kites are hand made and the thread is given a coating of glass powder mixed in either resin or a paste made of refined wheat flour. The day also witnesses kite flying tournaments in which handsome cash, cups and shields are awarded as prizes to the winners. Special kites with paper lamps fill the night sky with myriad flickering lights.

Bikaner Festival / Camel Festival

The Bikaner festival or the Camel Festival is a colourful festival of the camels. This festival is celebrated in the month of January in Bikaner. This festival starts with a magnificent procession of beautifully decorated camels. Several competitions are held, marked with typical Rajasthani colour, joyous music and lilting rhythms and gay festivities.

Pattadakal Dance Festival

The Pattadakal Dance Festival is celebrated every year in the month of January in Pattadackal, Karnataka. Pattadackal was the ancient capital of the Chalukyan Kings. This dance festival is organised by the Karnataka government to celebrate the temples of Pattadackal. The 'Nrityotsava' or the dance festival draws various famous dancers from all over the world and is accompanied by a crafts fair.

Kerala Village Fair

The Kerala Village Fair is held every year in the mid of January in the villages of Kovalam, Kerala. This fair is organised for almost ten days. During these days the traditional thatch houses are decorated and various folk dances, music and festivities are the part of this fair.

Id–ul–Fitter (All over India)

This festival celebrates the end of Ramzan, the Muslim month of fasting. It is an occasion of feasting and rejoicing. The faithful gather in mosques to pray and meet their friends and relatives and exchange greetings with each other. Prayers, family get–togethers and feasts are the major highlights of the celebrations. Idi or presents of money are given to the youngsters by the family elders, conveying their blessings.

India Fairs Festivals - February

Maha Shivaratri (All over India)

This festival dedicated to Lord Shiva is celebrated all over India. There are many legends in the Indian mythology which gives the reason behind celebrating this festival. People not only pray the Lord on this day but also keep a fast and refrain from sleeping in the night. Especially the married ladies pray for a long life for their husbands. Legends say that Lord Shiva married Parvati on this day. Another story goes that it was this day when the Lord assumed a form of Lingam. Some say this was the day when he consumed the poison from the ocean, while others say that it was on this day that he asked Ganga to come down and purify the earth.

Vasant Panchami

Vasant Panchami is celebrated to welcome the spring season on the fifth day of the waxing moon of Magh or February. On this day, the goddess Saraswati, Durga and Lakshmi are worshipped. People wear colourful dress, especially in bright shades of yellow and participate in dance, music and merriment. In West Bengal and northern parts of India, the goddess Saraswati-the goddess of learning is worshipped by placing ‘instruments of learning’ at her shrine. The festival is celebrated with great fervor in the university town of Shantiniketan in West Bengal.

Desert Festival (Jaisalmer)

The Desert Festival is a three days long extravaganza of colour, music and festivity, held at the golden city of Jaisalmer. Gair and fire dancers swaying to traditional tunes, a turban-tying competition and a Mr. Desert contest are part of the fun and frolic. The grand finale is a trip to the sand dunes at Sam where one can enjoy the pleasure of a camel ride and even view the folk dancers and musicians perform at the sand dunes.

Goa Carnival (Goa)

February heralds the carnival at Goa. For three days and nights, the legendary king Momo takes over the state and the streets come alive with colour. The week long event is a time of festivity.

Nagaur Fair (Nagaur)

Nagaur bustles with life during its annual cattle fair which is one of the largest in the country. The Nagaur bulls are renowned for their fleetfootedness and attract buyers from all over. The day begins with earnest bargaining between the buyers and the sellers. Once the price of a horse, bullock or camel has been settled, the day draws to a close followed by exciting games, tug of war, camel races and strains of ballads which create a joyful atmosphere.

Elephanta Festival (Elephanta Island)

This festival is held across the Mumbai harbour, on the Elephant Island, near the world renowned Elephanta Caves. This feast of music and dance, celebrated under the stars, transforms the entire island into a large auditorium.

Deccan Festival (Hyderabad)

Every year gracious Hyderabad comes alive during the Deccan Festival . Cultural programmes with ghazal nights, qawalis and mushairas are held. A pearl and bangle fair displays creations in lustrous perals and mult-hued bangles that are local specialities. A food festival serves the best of Hyderabad's famed cuisine to the visitors.

Taj Mahotsav (Agra)

A ten days event, the Taj Mahotsav at Agra is a culturally vibrant platfrom that brings together the finest Indian crafts and cultural nuances. It is a festive introduction to India and Uttar Pradesh. Folk music, Shayari (Poetry), and classical dance performances as well as elephant and camel rides, games and food festival-all form part of the festivites.

surajkund Crafts Mela

In order to promote the traditional Indian handicrats, a delightful handloom and handicrafts fair is held annually at Surajkund. Skilled artisans and craftmen display their skills and crafts in a rural setting. Cultural programmes and rural cuisine are also a part of this colourful fair.

Island Tourism Festival - Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Port Blair

Is a ten day long festival of dance, drama and music. Exhibitions displaying arts and crafts, flora and fauna nd marine life, are part of the event. Aqua sports, tele-games and parasailing are added attractions.

India Fairs Festivals - March

Holi - North India

One of the biggest festivals celebrated all over India. Holi is the last festival in the Hindu calendar and is celebrated by young and old, rich and poor and people from all the religions alike. It is the festival to welcome the spring and summer. People smear colours and splash water on each other and have fun. Sweets are prepared and people play with water and colours till late in the afternoon. Myriad colors of the blossoming flowers coupled with the tender green leaves, the melodious chirping of the birds, and an aura of romance and merriment marks the advent of the season of spring or Vasant. Holi enhances the romance of this season with its splurge of colors.

Gangaur Festival - Rajasthan

Is dedicated to Gauri, a manifestation of Goddess Parvati and lasts for 18 days. The festival is celebrated girls and married women throughout Rajasthan. The images of Gauri are ornamented and offerings are made. This is also and auspicious day for young people to select their life partners. Colourful processions with the town band playing, horses and elaborate palanquins make it a fascinating spectacle.

Ramanavami - (All over India)

The birthday of Lord Rama, the celebrated hero of the famous epic, the Ramayana, is enthusiastically celebrated on the ninth day of the waxing moon in the month of Chaitra. Temples are decorated, religious discourses are held and the Ramayana is recited for ten days. People gather in thousands on the banks of the sacred river Saryu for a dip. People sing devotional songs in praise of Rama and rock images of him in cradles to celebrate his birth. Rathyatras or chariot processions of Rama, his wife Sita, brother Lakshmana and devotee Hanuman, are taken out from many temples.

Id-ul-Zuha - (All over India)

Although the Muslim festivals follow their own calendar, the Bakri Id as it is popularly known is celebrated around February or March every year. It celebrates the sacrifice of Hazrat Ibrahim, who willingly agreed to kill his son at the behest of God. To celebrate the event, Muslims sacrifice one animal per family or group of families. There are prayers in mosques, feasting, and rejoicing. New clothes are worn and visits and greetings are exchanged.

The month March brings in the spring season in the north when the days are pleasant and nights are cool, while it gives a hint of approaching summer in the south. It is supposed to be the last month in the Hindu calendar.

Mahavir Jayanti - All over India

The birth anniversary of the 24th Tirthankara of the Jains, Mahavir, the founder of Jainism, is celebrated by the Jain community. Lectures are held to preach the path of virtue. People meditate and offer prayers. Donations are collected to sace the cows from slaughter. Pilgrims from all parts of the country visit the ancient Jain shrines at Girnar and Palitana in Gujarat, on this day.

Khajuraho Dance Festival - (Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh)

Is a week-long festival of classical dances held at the Khajuraho Temples, built by the Chandella Kings.

ELEPHANT FESTIVAL (Jaipur, Rajasthan)

A festival where elephants are the centre of attraction. They stride majestically parading their decorated trunks and tusks. The festival begins with aa procession of elephants, camels and horses, followed by lively folk dancers at their entertaining best. Elephant races and elephant-polo matches are special features. The most hilarious highlight of the festivals is a tug of war between elephants and men.

Hoysala Mahotsava - Karnataka

Is a dance festival held at the Hoysala temples of Belur and Halebid in Karnatka.

Ellora Festival - Maharashtra

Is a festival of dance and music organised in the splendid surroundings of the magnificent Ellora caves.

India Fairs Festivals - April

GOOD FRIDAY(All over India)

Is observed all over India by the Chirstians. This is the day when Lord Christ was crucified. The Christians offer special prayer services in the churches.

EASTER (All over India)

Is a festival of rejuvenation of life and living. On this day, Lord Christ rose again after his death. Chocolate eggs, small chicks of cotton wool and almond sweets are bought for children, symbolising new life. Prayer services are held in the churches to end the mourning period.

BAISAKHI (Punjab)

Is celebrated in Punjab with great fervour. It was on this day that Guru Gobind Singh founded the Khalsa (Sikh brotherhood). The holy book of the Sikhs, Granth Sahib is taken in a procession, led by the Panj Pyaras (five senior sikhs) who are symbolic of the original leaders. The occasion is marked by lot of feasting and merry making . All night revelries termed Baisakhi di Raat (Night of feasting) or Baisakhi da Mela (Baisakhi fairs) are held, where men and women dance to the rhythmic beat of drums. In Kerala the festival is known as Vishu. A display of grain, fruits, flowers, gold, new cloth and money, is viewded early in the morning to ensure a prosperous year ahead. Known as Rangali Bihu in Assam, the festival is celebrated with lively dances, music and feasting.

GUDI PADVA OR UGADI (Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh & Karnataka)

Marks the beginning of a new year in Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh and parts of Karnataka. Gudi Padva is considered one of the four most auspicious days in the year when people start new ventures. It is believed that Lord Brahma created the world on this day and so he is worshipped specially at this time. Lord Vishnu too is said to have been incarnated as Matsya, the fish, on this day. A gudi (banner) with a swastika-marked pot and silk cloth is raised to announce victory and joy. It is remniscent of the valiant Marathas returning home from their successful conquering expeditions of war.

POORAM (Trichur, Kerala)

At the beginning of April, the people of Kerala begin their search for the best elephants in the state. Each temple in Kerala sends a procession of decorated elephants to Trichur to participate in the Pooram festival. The decorated elephant groups face each other while drums and nadaswarams create a crescendo of music. The festival ends with a spectacular display of fireworks.

MUHARRAM (All over India)

Commemorates the martyrdom of Imam Hussain, the grandson of the holy Prophet Mohammed, and is observed by the Shi'ite Muslims, who take our processions of colourfully decorated 'Tazias',which are paper and bamhoo replicas of the marty's tomb at Karbala in Iraq. The processions are specially impressive at Lucknow. In part of the South, tiger dancers-men painted over with stripses and wearing tiger masks, lead the procession.

BUDDHA PURNIMA (North India)---

Buddha Purnima or Buddha Jayanti, the birth anniversary of the Buddha, is widely celebrated, on a full moon night in April/May. The Buddha was born on the full-moon day in the month of Vaisakh in 563 BC. He achieved enlightenment as well as nirvana on the same date.

It is also believed that Yashodara, the Buddha's wife, his charioteer Channa and even his horse Kantaka were born on the same day. On this day, Buddhists offer prayers in their temples. Sarnath in Uttar Pradesh and Bodh Gaya in Bihar are the main centres of celebration.

MEWAR (Rajasthan)

Is celebrated in Udaipur to welcome Spring. The main highlight of the festival is the procession of colourfully attired women carrying images of the Goddess Gauri to Lake Pichola. Festivities include joyous singing, dancing, devotional music concerts and firework displays.



June Fairs & Festivals
GANGA DUSSEHRA
(Uttar Pradesh)
In this festival ten days are devoted to the worship of the River Ganga. According to the legends, Gangavataran or the descent of the Ganga, happened at this time. Devotess touch the river water, bathe in it, and take the river clay home to venerate. In Haridwar, aratis are performed at twilight and a large number of devotees meditate on her serene banks.


HEMIS FESTIVAL
(Jammu & Kashmir)
Is celebrated at Hemis, the biggest Buddhist Monastery in Ladakh to mark the birth anniversary of Guru Padmasambhava. Splendid masked dances are performed to the accompaniment of cymbals, drums and long horns. A colourful fair, displaying some beautiful handicrafts, is the special highlight of the festival.



July Fairs & Festivals
RATHYATRA
(Orissa)
This spectacular chariot festival is held at the famous Jagannath Temple at Puri. Images of Lord Jagannath, his sister Subhadra and brother Balbhadra are taken out in procession in three chariots to their summer temple of a week. The main chariot is 14 meters high and 10 meters square with 16 wheels. The ropes of the huge chariots are pulled by millions of devotes who also believe that this act bestows salvation upon them.

At the temple town of Puri in Orissa, the image of the god Krishna (known as Jagannath in the State) is taken out with great ceremony in June-July each year. Images of the god and his brother Balbhadra and sister Subhadra are placed in giant large yellow chariots or raths which are then drawn by pilgrims. The chariots are 45 feet high and have 6 wheels. The procession or rath yatra draws huge crowds from all over the country. An atmosphere of almost hysterical devotion prevails on this day and in earlier years, devotees were known to have thrown themselves under the wheels of the rath in the hope of obtaining instant salvation.

GURU PURNIMA
(All over India)
A special worship is performed on this day to all teachers and is caled Guru Purnima. Worship of the great Vyasa, the author of the great epic, Mahabharata, is a part of the celebration. On this day students visit their elders, teachers and guides in order to show respect to them with gifts of cocounts, clothes and sweets. These gifts are called gurudakshina. Discourses are held in community gatherings to hear the readings of the holy book, Bhagwad Gita.


August Fairs & Festivals

JANMASHTAMI(All over India)---

Lord Vishnu is invoked in his human incarnation as Krishna on his birth anniversary in the festival of Janmashtami. The temples of Vrindavan witness an extravagant and colourful celebration on this occasion. Raslila is performed to recreate incidents from the life of Krishna and to commemorate his love for Radha. The image of the infant Krishna is bathed at midnight and is placed in a cradle. Devotional songs and dances mark the celebration of this festive occasion all over Northern India.

In Maharashtra, Janmashtami witnesses the exuberant enactment of the god's childhood endeavours to steal butter and curd from earthen pots beyond his reach. A matka or pot containing these is suspended high above the ground and groups of young men and children form human pyramids to try and reach the pot and eventually break it.

ONAM
(Kerala)
Onam is Kerala's most popular festival, celebrated with great enthusiasm. It is primarily a harvest festival celebrated to welcome the spirit of the pious King Mahabali from eternal exile and to assure him that his people are happy and wish him well. At trichur, caparisoned, elephants take part in a spectacular procession. There is also a maginificent display of fireworks. At Shoranur, appreciative crowds gather on the green where colourfully dressed Kathakali dancers re-enact the well-loved stories of the epic heroes and virtuous women. On the second day of the festival, every home is lit bright and decorated in preparation for the visit of King Mahabali. Greetings are exchanged and lengths of auspicious saffron cloth are presented by friends to one another. The Vallumkali (boat race) is one of the main attractions of Onam, and is best seen at Aranmulai and Kottayam. About a hundred oarsmen row huge and graceful odee (boats). Oars dip and flash to the rhythum of drums and cymbals in each boat. The songs are generally topical in character and concern people well known in Malabar. Above each boat gleam scarlet silk umbrellas, their number denotes the affluence of the family owning the boat. Gold coins and tassels hang from the umbrellas.

NAAG PANCHAMI
(West Bangal, Maharashtra and South India)
Nag Panchami is the festival when snakes, the symbols of energy and prosperity are worshipped. In Maharashtra, snake charmers go from house to house with dormant cobras ensconced in cane baskets, asking for alms and clothing. Women offer milk and cooked rice to the snakes and gather around to see the snakes spread their hoods to the tune of the pungi. Clay snakes are brought home to be worshipped by day and immersed in the sea in the evening. In southern India, particularly in Kerala, snake temples are crowded on this day and worship is offered to stone or metal icons of the cosmic serpent Ananta or Shesha.

RAKSHABANDHAN
(North India)
This is Hindu sister's day when brothers and sisters reaffirm their bonds of affections. Sisters tie colourful threads or rakhis on their brothers' wrists. The brothers in turn promise to protect their sisters and give them gifts.

GANESH CHATURTHI
(Maharasthra, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka)
Ganesha Chaturthi is an important festival in India, especially in Maharashtra dedicated to Lord Ganesha, the elephant headed God to all good beginnings and success. It is believed that Lord Ganesha was born on this day and every chaturthi is considered auspicious. Thousands of clay idols of Lord Ganesha are made in every size, pose, form and colour and worshipped at community or family festivals which last between one to ten days. These images are then taken in large processions, amidst the rhythm of bells and drums and immersed in flowing water.



September Fairs & Festivals
TARNETAR MELA
(Saurshtra, Gujarat)
Is an exciting and a unique fair held annually at Tarnetar in Saurashtra. the fair coincides with the festival at the Trineteshwar Temple, celebrating the wedding of the legendary Mahabharat hero, Arjuna with Draupadi. The fair is a kind of a marriage market for the local tribals-the Kolis, Bharwads and Rabaris. The traditional costumes, exquisite jewelery and wonderful costumes, exquisite jewelery and wonderful Tarnetar "Chhatris" (umbrellas) with intricate embroidery and mirror work are sold. An added attraction is the lively folk dance performances such as -garba, ras, haro.

October Fairs & Festivals
NAVRATRI
(All over India) Navratri is the longest Hindu festival that continues for nine consecutive nights in praise of Lord Rama. Continuous chanting from the great epic Ramayana, along with evening performances from the episodes of his life, is held for nine days.

It is a combination of many concepts. It is believed that Durga, the Goddess of power and vitality, has nine forms called Navadurga and on each day of the nine days, she takes a new form, with an arsenal of weapons, to ride a lion and fight the demon Mahishasura. Vijaydashmi or Dussehra, the 10th day, is celebrated with feasting and rejoicing as her day of victory.

Lord Rama is said to have worshipped the Goddess, seeking her blessing in order to overpower the evil force of Ravana, the abductor of his beloved Sita. The most joyous celebration of Navaratri is seen in Gujarat, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Bengal. Every night people gather in courtyards to dance the dandiya raas and garba, a community dance in which men and women dressed in festive clothes, dance in pairs with dandiyas or painted wooden sticks.


DURGA PUJA
(Bengal) Is performed during the nine days of Navratri. Community pujas in Bengal are organised in every locality. Families visit each other to share feasts. On Bijoya day, the idols are taken in elaborate processions for immersion in the river on the sea.


DUSSEHRA
(All over India) Is celebrated to mark the homecoming of Lord Rama. The Ramlila-an enactment of the life of Lord Rama, is held nine days before Dussehra. On the tenth day, larger than life effigies of Ravana, his brothers Meghnath and Kumbhkarna filled with different fire crackers are set alight to celebrate the victory of good over evil. In Himachal Pradesh, a week long fair at Kullu is a part of the Dussehra celebrations. From the little temples in the hills, deities are brought in procession to the Kullu Maidan with lot of gaiety, music and colour. the presiding deity is Lord Raghunathji. Mysore is illuminated with lights for Dussehra. Majestic processions, a torch light parade and dance and musical events enliven the tranquil city.


MARWAR FESTIVAL
(Jodhpur)
Is a festival devoted mainly to the music and dance of the Marwar region. The festival was originally known as the 'Maand festival'. Held for two days on full moon-sharad purnima, folk artists bring to life the myth, legend and folklore of the area.


India Fairs Festivals
January Fairs Festivals February Fairs Festivals March Fairs Festivals April Fairs Festivals May Fairs Festivals June Fairs Festivals July Fairs Festivals August Fairs Festivals September Fairs Festivals October Fairs Festivals November Fairs Festivals December Fairs Festivals



November Fairs & Festivals
DIWALI
(All over India) The festival of lights is one of the most beautiful of Indian festivals. It comes 21 days after Dussehra and celebrates the return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya after his 14 year exile. Homes are decorted, sweets are distributed by everyone and thousands of lamps lit in houses all over the country making it a night of enchantment. Doorways are hung with torans(a decorative garland for the door) of mango leaves and marigolds. Rangolis (designs on floor) are drawn with different coloured powders to welcome guests. Worship of Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth, and fireworks and festivites are an essential part of the occasion.

SHARAD PURNIMA
(All over India)
Is a harvest festival when Laxmi, the Goddess of prosperity, visits all homes to bring fortune and good luck of all. Kojagiri, the special night, is celebrated with ice-cold, saffron-flavoured sweet milk, shared in the cool moonlight. The full moon night is called Navanna Purnima or the moonlit night of new food. The newly harvested rice is offered to the god s and lamps are lit before the full moon.

GURU PURAB
(North India)
The birth anniversary of Guru Nanak- the first guru of the Sikhs who founded the Sikh faith, is celebrated with great ferour. The 'Akhand Path' -recitation of the Sikh holy book, Guru Granth Sahib, is held in gurdwaras all over the country. Taking the hold book out in procession, is also an integral part of the celebrations. Langars (community feasts) are organised where people of all castes sit together to eat and sing hymns from the Guru Granth Sahib. The celebrations at Amritsar are especially impressive.

KA POMBLANG NONGREM
(Meghalya)
Is the most important festival of the Khasis in Meghalaya. This five day long festival, held annually near Shillong, is an occasion for thanksgiving for a good harvest and the time to pray for peace and prosperity. Khasi men and women, dressed in traditional splendour, perform the famous Nogkrem dance.

SONEPUR FAIR
(Sonepur, Bihar)
Asia's biggest cattle fair is held at Sonepur, on the banks of the River Ganga. During this month-long fair, cattle, decorated for the occasion, swarm the venue.

PUSHKAR FAIR
(Purhkar, Rajasthan)
Is held every year at Pushkar, near Ajmer. Thousands of pilgrims come to bathe in the holy waters of te Pushkar Lake. Trading of cattle, camel races and dazzling displays of bangles, brassware, clothes, camel saddles and halters are the major attractions of this colourful event which lasts for twelve days.

HAMPI FESTIVAL The magnificent ruined city of Hampi, once the capital of the Vijayanagar Empire, comes alive once again during this lively festival of dance and music, held in the first week of November.


KONARK DANCE FESTIVAL
(Konark, Orissa)
Konark Festival in the Sun Temple, Konark, offers an unforgettable experience every December 5th. A host of celebrated dancers from all over the country perform on the temple platform or beach. The sound of ghungroo bells, flute and pakhauj fill the air and a marvelous crafts mela, with a variety of handicrafts and delectable cuisine, adds to the festive mood.


CHRISTMAS
(All over India)
Is celebrated by the Christmas and non-Christians alike with special enthusiasm. All the major Indian cities wear a festive look. Shops and bazaars are decorated for the occasion and offer attractive bargains. Carol singing, get-togethers and the exchanging of gifts enhance the Christmas spirit. Chirstmas parties launch off celebrations for the New Year, thus retaining the festive mood for at least a week.